Parrot Prose: A Coral Shores Veterinary Mystery by DL Mitchell

Author:DL Mitchell [Mitchell, DL]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Rose Writing
Published: 2025-02-20T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

As a fan of all TV crime dramas, Emily had seen her fair share of stakeouts and picked up a few pointers about how to follow someone without getting caught. At least how actors on the screen did it. Odds were, it was more boring and technical than portrayed, but Emily did her best to channel her inner detective.

“Don’t get too close,” she said to herself. Keeping the car in sight on the open causeway was easy since there were no intersections, so Emily followed in the adjacent lane to stay out of their rearview mirror. It got trickier when the car signaled to exit onto a more congested side street. Dixie Highway, a four-lane road with lots of traffic lights, was home to every fast-food chain and car dealership. After she ran a yellow light to keep pace, the next light turned red, forcing them both to stop. Emily loosened her grip, shaking her hands to release the tension. So far, she was confident the person driving Colt’s girlfriend’s car didn’t know they were being followed.

“Duncan, thank goodness.” Emily answered her phone and put it on speaker. “I’m on Dixie Highway heading south, just off exit ten—”

Duncan cut her off. “What are you doing? Did you even see the license number?”

“I’m not close enough to see the plate.”

“I know you want to help, but this has to stop. Pull over and let me handle it.”

Duncan’s tone made it clear he wasn’t fooling around. Emily’s eyes narrowed, and she drew her lower lip between her teeth, taking a moment to think before replying. In for a penny, in for a pound popped into her head. “I’m being careful and staying out of sight.” Emily braced herself in anticipation of what came next.

“You’re not going to listen to me, are you?” His voice had an angry edge.

“I always listen to you, but you forget I’m a responsible adult and not just your little sister. I promise I’m being safe.”

“I’m texting with Mike. He’s headed to your location, so stay on the phone with me until he can take over pursuit in his unmarked car.”

“Are there any officers nearby?”

“We don’t even know if you’re following the same car from the break-in. I can’t call it in based on a hunch.”

“Trust me—it’s the same car.” Emily was emphatic. “But we don’t want to spook them.”

After driving through four more traffic lights, the road cleared and the area became less developed. Emily had dropped a few cars behind but got nervous about losing the target.

“I’m south of the main business area, heading towards Edgewood. Wait, they’re changing lanes.”

“Can you see the name of a cross street or a business?”

“No, I passed an orange grove on the left. There are no signs.” Within minutes, Emily approached the next intersection. “They’re turning right on Catcher Road, and I see a billboard for Alabaster Acres.”

“I know that place. It’s an oyster farm on the back bay. I think it’s open to the public. You’ve gone far enough.

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